AT&T Buys Big Chevrolet Express CNG Fleet

As one of the major fleet operators in the US, communications company AT&T is slowly joining the ranks of those that see the benefits of using cars with alternative fuels. In an attempt to lower the amount of money spent by its fleet on fuel, AT&T announced this weekend that it has ordered from GM 101 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 vans, powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

The prices to be paid by AT&T for the vans were not disclosed. However, the communications specialist will gain much more in the long run than it will pay for the vans, as the CNG is becoming much more cheaper to use than gasoline.

According to the data provided by GM, the CNG-powered vans get the equivalent of gasoline fuel economy of 11 mpg city and 16 mpg highway, while using fuel tanks that have a capacity that ranges from 15.8 to 23 gasoline-equivalent gallons.

The CNG powertrain carries the approval of all important environmental agencies in the US, being compliant with all the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission requirements.

The vans ordered by AT&T, to be supplied by GM in the coming months, are covered by a three-year, 36,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty.

“As more of our customers transition their conventional fleets to fuel-efficient and reduced-emission vehicles, we will continue to provide a one-stop shop to help them achieve their environmental goals,” said Brian Small, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.

“In addition to its leading-edge fuel system technology, every CNG van we produce is also engineered to rigorous GM standards for durability, safety and reliability.”